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Our Top Poker Articles of 2014: A Cardplayer Lifestyle Retrospective 9:42 AM (9 hours ago)

As we look back on 2014 in this fifth installment of our Cardplayer Lifestyle Retrospective series (here are the first four, from 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013), it’s clear that this was a landmark year filled with meaningful developments, both on a personal level and for the site as a whole. The year was marked by exciting firsts, valuable lessons, and memorable experiences that helped shape the direction of this media site as well as my own journey in the poker world. Plainly put, it was a time of transition and momentum; we shifted into a higher gear.

In that vein, 2014 saw Cardplayer Lifestyle begin to evolve from what was purely a one-man poker blog into a more collaborative, multifaceted poker media outlet that welcomed new voices while continuing to explore the many dimensions of the game. Yet even as the site took on a more serious tone and broader reach, we never lost sight of the fun and playfulness that had always been (and remains) part of our DNA. From in-depth research pieces to lighthearted and festive features, this was a year that set the tone for what our full gamut of poker storytelling, reporting, and writing could capture.

More Tales of Robbie’s Bankroll

In The Big Poker Mistake That Took Me Two Years to Correct, I opened up about one of the more frustrating stretches of my poker journey. After putting together a decent-sized bankroll in my regular weekly home games, I fell victim to losing it all (and then some) very quickly in the higher stakes games offered in Las Vegas. What followed was a slow, steady rebuilding of my bankroll over the next two years. It was a painful experience that taught me invaluable lessons about bankroll management, ego, and the importance of playing within my limits; lessons I’ll carry with me for the rest of my poker life.

The follow-up piece was more of a victory lap. In Finally, a Monster Poker Session One Year in the Making, I shared the joy of breaking through after a year of break-even sessions and modest results. It was the kind of night every poker player dreams about. Everything clicked, I stayed patient, made solid reads, and won a record-setting amount of money in my low-stakes home game.

We Published an Interview with Phil Ivey

In my interview with Phil Ivey, I had the rare and incredible opportunity to pepper one of poker’s most iconic and legendary players with a bunch of questions. He’s somewhat more accessible to poker media these days, but back in 2014 the man was essentially a ghost. When I got contacted with the opportunity, I did my best to make the most of it. Sadly, I didn’t get to speak with or meet Phil in person (that happened much later). The entire interview was coordinated and conducted through an intermediary (thank you John Jainschigg; I’ll never forget you), but it was nonetheless a very cool and poignant moment. I still remember the incredible feeling of watching the 7-second clip below for the first time.

Landing an interview with Phil Ivey was a pretty big deal back then. So much so that I felt compelled to pen a companion piece, What It’s Like to Interview Phil Ivey – Behind the Scenes, where I shared the personal side of what went into making that interview happen. I had spent hours researching, crafting thoughtful questions. The entire experience remains a highlight of my career in poker media.

A Magnum Opus on Women in Poker

More than 11 years later, the article Why Don’t More Women Play Poker? Leading Poker Ladies Unite for Change remains the piece that I put the most aggregate hours of work into. In examining the underrepresentation of women playing live poker, I spoke with trailblazers like Poker Hall of Famer Linda Johnson, who faced significant challenges in earlier decades and has advocated fiercely for a more inclusive poker community. The article also features insights from Vanessa Selbst, Kara Scott, and Danielle Moon-Andersen, who discuss their experiences and call for a shift towards greater inclusivity and respect for women in poker.

Upon publication, the article was quite well received, even getting referenced by ESPN.com (this was back when they had a poker section on the site; thanks, Andrew Feldman)! Over a decade later, we’re of course still quite a long way from “parity,” but thankfully a LOT of progress has been made and LOTS more women play live poker now in 2025 than back in 2014.

A Year of Some Big Poker Firsts

When you live in Israel, the “poker world” is by definition far away from you, even if digitally it might be at your fingertips. As such, 2014 was a milestone year full of firsts for me. For instance, it marked the first time I met a professional poker player (Matt Glantz). I was on family vacation in the New York area and took a trip out to the Parx Poker Room in Pennsylvania to play a bit. I remember being ultra-starstruck meeting Matt. That poker world that I had only begun becoming a part of digitally finally “came to life”! It was also the year I dipped my toes into podcasting, joining Bruce Briggs as the co-host of the Top Pair Poker Podcast.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of poker players across the globe and have gotten to spend a decade immersed in the podcasting side of the industry. From Top Pair to the Red Chip Poker Podcast, The Orbit, and the CardsChat Podcast, each show gave me a platform to spotlight fascinating personalities and contribute to the broader poker conversation. In essence, what began with a couple of key moments in 2014 grew into a deeply fulfilling chapter of my poker journey.

That year also marked the beginning of Cardplayer Lifestyle’s evolution from showcasing just my own writing to that of multiple poker authors. We had had the occasional one-off contributor in years prior, but the very first to become a regular was Jon Sofen (his articles are here). Here’s a screenshot of his first email to me:

Jon Sofen cover letter

Since then, Jon has gone on to establish himself as one of the industry’s most respected veteran writers and he now works full-time with PokerNews. I’m proud to say that we’ve now had the privilege of featuring the work of more than 120 different contributing writers, each of whom has helped to shape and grow the voice of Cardplayer Lifestyle.

Poker and Politics Take Center Stage (Not for the Last Time)

In 2014, I sparked a spirited and widely discussed debate within the poker world with my op-ed titled There’s No Room for Politics in Poker. The piece drew considerable attention and prompted a direct response from one of the game’s most respected voices, Nolan Dalla, who published a rebuttal titled Political Censorship Has No Place in Poker. Our back-and-forth continued in a follow-up pieces and videos we published. The entire discourse garnered significant attention across the poker community, led to greater visibility and recognition for me and Cardplayer Lifestyle, and demonstrated the power of constructive dialogue around complex topics in the poker world.

This debate hit close to home, as the specific political issue in question was the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Living in Israel I have a front row seat, after all, as I opened up about in The Bubble that Wasn’t Supposed to Burst.

Still Bringing the Smiles

Nearly five years into Cardplayer Lifestyle’s journey, even as the site began to gain traction as a more serious and respected voice in the poker world, we never lost our sense of humor or appreciation for the lighter side of the game. Articles like The 10 Best Beards in Poker celebrated the facial hair choices of some of poker’s most recognizable faces, while 21 Poker Personalities and the 12 Xmas Presents They’d Love imagined what “gifts” might bring joy to well-known players and industry figures during the holiday season.

Our Top Poker Articles of 2013: A Cardplayer Lifestyle Retrospective 29 Apr 5:07 AM (2 days ago)

Here’s the fourth article in our special retrospective series, where we look back at some of the top poker articles we’ve published throughout each year we’ve been online. Here are the first three articles in the series, from 2010, 2011, and 2012. The year 2013 marked a breakthrough for Cardplayer Lifestyle. Our site traffic more than doubled, rising from just under 2,000 unique monthly visitors to an average of 4,000. A big part of that growth came thanks to several well-known poker players and media personalities who began following us on social media and kindly sharing our content; something for which I remain thankful to this day.

That year, I came to understand that there was a direct connection between the time and energy I invested into running the site and the growth and engagement of our audience. As such, we ramped up the output of fresh, exciting, and engaging poker content, giving readers plenty of reasons to keep coming back. It was incredibly motivating then, and it remains the case now.

Top Poker Pros Start Paying Attention

I interviewed Ari Engel for the first time that year. I remember thinking how cool it was that was had similar backgrounds, attended the same yeshiva, and shared a love for poker. Seeing someone like me achieving success as a poker pro was so cool, I just HAD to learn his back story. Ari and I have since become good friends, having seen each other numerous times over the years at stops all over the poker world.

Phil Hellmuth first took notice of Cardplayer Lifestyle in 2013. I happened to noticed that, at the time, he only followed 13 people on Twitter. At the time, he had won 13 WSOP bracelets. The juxtaposition was too uncanny to ignore, so I wrote about it. When Phil retweeted the article, it led to the highest-trafficked day in the site’s history. He’s since shown tremendous kindness towards me, has often shared this site’s content, has agreed for me to interview him on multiple occasions, and has very generously donated to charitable causes I’ve helped fundraise for. He’s still pretty selective though, following just over 50 people now on X. Maybe someday I’ll be one of them. 🙂

I was already a huge Daniel Negreanu fan back in 2013. I noticed when he was doing press that he often mentioned his personal assistant, Patty Landis. That got me curious: who was this woman? So I asked if she’d do an interview with me. Daniel noticed. The publication of this article marked the start of a couple great friendships that I still cherish. Both Patty and Daniel have done me kindnesses too innumerable to count. I’m so grateful that they both instantly realized I genuinely cared and wanted to really get to know them “not just for the clicks”.

Some Articles Start Going Viral

As with most things in life, you “get out what you put in”. In 2013 I started putting a lot more thought and effort into thinking of topics for articles that would resonate strongly and likely attract an audience of interested readers. These ranged from strategy articles like 25 Bad Habits That Are Costing You Money at the Poker Tables, to op-ed pieces where I suggested a number of “safe” and “unsafe” topics for discussion at the table, to some creative writing, in which I tried to engage some of my fellow professional wrestling fans with articles like this and this., along with doing a deep dive on who would be the best poker player among the How I Met Your Mother cast of characters.

Thousands of people read each of those articles “back in the day” as well as over subsequent years. If you’ve never read them, they’re all more or less evergreen, so perhaps you’ll enjoy reading them now, too. Thankfully, many more articles we’ve published in the years since have reached countless thousands of readers as well.

A Serious Poker Media Site…

Cardplayer Lifestyle’s transition from “just a poker blog” into a more serious, well-respected poker media site continued in earnest throughout 2013. While I still did the overwhelming majority of the writing — quite literally close to 100% of it — occasionally I started welcoming topic/article submissions from some experts. For instance, my friend Eddie Harari happens to be one of the world’s top cybersecurity professionals… AND he loves poker. When he asked if he could write an article providing expert analysis of online poker, I couldn’t refuse that offer. Eddie has contributed at least another half dozen articles to Cardplayer Lifestyle since then (at least one of which will appear in a future installment of this series).

But Still with a Playful Side

With all that said, we still showed our more playful side with articles like What Questions Did 21 Famous Poker Pros Have for Santa Claus. I memorably recall Chino Rheem and Tom Dwan taking the jokes in stride and kindly retweeting that piece to spread some joy and good holiday cheer. Looking back at that one, it’s also a uniquely interesting window into which pros were “buzziest” a dozen years ago.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention our tongue-in-cheek critique of The Coldest WSOP in History, in which I asked my (then) 3.5-year-old son to play the role of WSOP Air Conditioning Technician. Good times! 🙂

2025 888poker LIVE Barcelona Preview 28 Apr 10:52 AM (3 days ago)

In just a few days, 888poker LIVE Barcelona will get underway in Barcelona, Spain. It will take place from May 8-18 at the Casino Barcelona, and tournament buy-ins will range from €55 to €1,500 for the High Roller. As usual, the ambassadors from 888poker will be present, and you can qualify for very little money from the comfort of your home with online satellites.

888poker LIVE Barcelona Main Event

Schedule:

Day 1A: Wednesday May 14 at 3 PM
Day 1B: Thursday May 15 at 3 PM
Day 1C: Friday May 16 at 3 PM
Day 1D Turbo: Saturday May 17 at 11 AM
Day 2: Saturday May 17 at 5 PM
Day 3: Sunday May 18 at 4 PM

Structure:

Buy-In: €888
Re-entry: Unlimited
Starting Stack: 50K
Blind Levels: 40 minutes during Day 1 and 60 minutes during Days 2 and 3
Late Registration: Start Day 2

888poker LIVE Barcelona Festival

Below is the schedule with all the events and satellites:

Day	Time	Event	Buy-In	Stack	Levels
Thursday, May 8	5 PM	Opening Event Day 1A	€220	30K	30
Thursday, May 8	8 PM	Satellite to Opening Event	€50	10K	15
Friday, May 9	5 PM	Opening Event Day 1B	€220	30K	30
Friday, May 9	7 PM	The Rumble 6-Max	€165	30K	20
Friday, May 9	9 PM	Satellite to Opening Event	€50	10K	15
Saturday, May 10	3 PM	Opening Event Day 1C	€220	30K	30
Saturday, May 10	7 PM	The Mini Shot	€115	15K	20
Saturday, May 10	9 PM	Opening Event Day 1D	€220	30K	30
Sunday, May 11	11 AM	Opening Event Day 1E Turbo	€220	30K	20
Sunday, May 11	4 PM	Opening Event Day 2	€220	30K	30
Sunday, May 11	6 PM	The Dragon	€220	50K	20
Monday, May 12	3 PM	The Mini Shot	€165	20K	25
Monday, May 12	7 PM	The Mega Knockout	€330	30K	20
Monday, May 12	10 PM	Satellite to High Roller	€160	10K	15
Tuesday, May 13	3 PM	Satellite to High Roller	€160	10K	15
Tuesday, May 13	5 PM	The Turbo Dash	€100	25K	20
Tuesday, May 13	7 PM	High Roller Day 1	€1,500	100K	40
Tuesday, May 13	9 PM	Super Satellite to Main Event	€88	10K	15
Wednesday, May 14	3 PM	Main Event Day 1A	€888	50K	40
Wednesday, May 14	5 PM	High Roller Day 2	€1,500	100K	40
Wednesday, May 14	6 PM	Pot Limit Omaha	€110	30K	20
Wednesday, May 14	9 PM	Super Satellite to Main Event	€88	10K	15
Thursday, May 15	3 PM	Main Event Day 1B	€888	50K	40
Thursday, May 15	6 PM	The Voyage	€200	88K	20
Thursday, May 15	9 PM	Super Satellite to Main Event	€88	10K	15
Friday, May 16	3 PM	Main Event Day 1C	€888	50K	40
Friday, May 16	6 PM	The Mayhem	€165	20K	20
Friday, May 16	9 PM	Super Satellite to Main Event	€88	10K	15
Saturday, May 17	11 AM	Main Event 1D Turbo	€888	50K	20
Saturday, May 17	5 PM	Main Event Day 2	€888	50K	40
Saturday, May 17	7 PM	Mystery Bounty Day 1	€330	30K	25
Saturday, May 17	8 PM	Ladies Event	€55	20K	20
Sunday, May 18	4 PM	Main Event Day 3	–	–	40
Sunday, May 18	5 PM	The Big Shot	€330	30K	25
Sunday, May 18	5 PM	Mystery Bounty Day 2	–	–	25
Sunday, May 18	8 PM	The Closer	€110	20K	15

Online Satellites at 888poker

Would you like to qualify for the 888poker LIVE Barcelona Main Event from the comfort of your home? You can do so with the satellites currently being played online at 888poker.com. They are in a step format and range from 1 cent to $109 for the final satellite. Satellites can be found in the “Tournaments” > “Live Events” section of 888poker.

Winners of the final satellites will receive a prize package worth $1,800, including the following prizes:

$920 (€888) Buy-In to 888poker LIVE Barcelona Main Event
$500 for accommodation
$380 for travel expenses
888poker LIVE kit

Ian Simpson and Lucía Navarro anticipate a great festival

Numerous 888poker ambassadors will be present in Barcelona, and we were able to speak with two of them ahead of the event: Englishman Ian Simpson and Spaniard Lucía Navarro.

Ian has just won four titles in recent months at 888poker events held in Coventry (2), Madrid, and Newcastle. He told us this about his current run of success: “2025 couldn’t be going much better so far! And 2024 was kind to me also. I’m looking forward to Barcelona of course, and the thing I’m most conscious about controlling is over confidence. I’ve seen good players get bankroll boosts and just assume that their run good will never end and that they’re infallible. I’m making sure to keep on top of studying, to make sure I’m constantly honing my knowledge to keep myself competitive. I’m constantly reminding myself of how fragile this wonderful life of mine is and that I’ve got to work hard to protect it, even when things are going amazing”.

Ian with the 888poker LIVE Madrid trophy / Photo: 888poker

Lucia is coming off a third-place finish in the 888poker LIVE Madrid High Roller and a fourth-place finish in the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event in 2023. We asked her about her expectations for the Barcelona festival, and she told us: “The same ones I usually wear to all 888poker events: play my best to win trophies, generate great content for 888’s networks, and spend quality time with the rest of the ambassadors and the team, who always have a great time together! The 888poker circuit stands out for its accessibility, thanks to its low buy-ins compared to other international circuits. It boasts deep-stack structures and a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere”.

Lucia playing at Barcelona / Photo: 888poker

The City

Barcelona is the most tourist-friendly city in Spain, the second most populated city in Spain, and the tenth most populated in the European Union. It is recognized as a global city for its cultural, financial, commercial, and tourist importance. If you’d like to know what places to visit in the city, we invite you to read Jennifer Solomon‘s Barcelona poker tourist guide.

The Venue

The Gran Casino de Barcelona opened in 1978 on an estate that had belonged to a marquis, 40 kilometers from the city, in San Pedro de Ribas. In 1998, it obtained permission to move to the city, and in 1999, it opened its doors in Barcelona’s Olympic Port, on the ground floor of the Hotel Arts. In 2004, the first event of the European Poker Tour was played there, and it became the circuit’s most popular event. Today, Casino Barcelona is a world of entertainment that combines gastronomy, live music, shows, and gambling in an extraordinary atmosphere. All this is located next to the beaches bathed by the Mediterranean and just 15 minutes from downtown Barcelona.

casino barcelona

888poker LIVE Barcelona: Past Editions

Barcelona has hosted the 888poker LIVE circuit since 2017, and it was only interrupted in 2020 and 2021 by the coronavirus pandemic. The 2024 edition featured 17 champions from Spain, Romania, Argentina, Italy, Greece, Russia, England, France, and Germany. The Main Event had 476 entries and awarded $400K in prizes to the top 60 players. The champion was Spaniard Josep Valls, who took home the best prize of his career: €61K ($66K).

Josep Valls, the 2024 888poker LIVE Barcelona champion

These were all the Main Event champions of past 888poker LIVE series in Barcelona:

Year	Buy-In	Entries	Prize Pool	Champion	Prize
2017	€1,100	609	€584,640	Luigi Shehadeh 🇮🇹	€110,000
2018	€1,100	709	€709,000	Adrian Constantin 🇷🇴	€114,025
2019	€1,100	551	€551,000	Gabriele Rossi 🇮🇹	€110,000
2022	€1,100	334	€320,640	Sandro Silvano Hauser 🇮🇹	€56,800
2023	€1,100	369	€354,240	Tero Laurila 🇫🇮	€64,000
2024	€888	476	€369,450	Josep Valls Rebollar 🇪🇸	€61,550

Who will be this year’s champion? We’ll find out soon, and it could be you! 🫵

When Algorithms Attack: Whither Poker Content and Its Creators? 27 Apr 5:50 AM (4 days ago)

Earlier this month, I saw a tweet from Brad Owen expressing his frustration with the sudden and sharp decline he was seeing in views of and engagement with his videos on YouTube. He’s not alone. Many poker vloggers have voiced concern that the numbers they used to notch have mysteriously plummeted. The algorithm has shifted, and not in their favor.

If you want a deep dive into just how bad things have gotten for poker content creators on YouTube, I highly recommend watching the video below by Nick Eastwood. He breaks it all down in detail, including the numbers, the lost momentum, and the existential questions vloggers are now facing.

I watched Nick’s video multiple times. The first time, I just sat there nodding along and commiserating. The second time, I watched to help make myself feel better because misery loves company. What I mean by that is that I’ve been there — and in many ways, I’m still there. The algorithmic confusion (as Tim Fiorvanti put it over at Poker.org) that Nick and his fellow YouTubers are feeling now? That’s exactly what poker media websites like Cardplayer Lifestyle first went through after Google rolled out its “Helpful Content Update” (HCU) in September 2023.

Whatever the YouTube algorithm is doing to poker vloggers is eerily reminiscent to Google’s “Helpful Content Update” of Q4 2023.

An algorithm shitting all over your hard work when you’ve done nothing wrong hurts a lot.

Believe me. I know.

My heart goes out to the vloggers. ❤️ https://t.co/zkpEAjknJ7

— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) April 10, 2025

While ostensibly it’s the “gambling content for over 18s” that’s the issue with the poker vloggers, I believe that it’s something far more arbitrary at play and the “content for over 18s” issue is a convenient scapegoat. I say that not as a conspiracy theorist, but rather because “nothing seems to matter” as far as getting the situation to change.

So I watched Nick’s video again and took notes. Then I looked at my own analytics and reviewed all the work I’ve put into trying to reverse the tide. That all made me decide to “finally” go public, despite the risks. Because if we just choose to say nothing, it amounts to accepting this new reality as OK.

Things are NOT okay.

The Google Gut-Punch

Let me be clear: Cardplayer Lifestyle is not some fly-by-night operation via which I’m attempting to become a multimillionaire. I’ve poured over 15 years of my life into this site. I’ve told the story many times: It started out as a passion project that slowly and surely evolved and grew into a professional poker media platform. Cardplayer Lifestyle has been built on a foundation of hard work, authentic storytelling, and a commitment to growing the game of poker and entertaining and educating the poker community through quality written content. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make an honest living while pursuing my passion for and giving back to this industry.

Back in September 2023, seemingly overnight, our organic search traffic was gutted. Years of work, trusted content, evergreen articles, interviews, op-eds, and more just stopped showing up in search results. We hadn’t done anything wrong. But the algorithm didn’t care. Nor did it seem to care about the legions of other websites in the broader gaming industry and beyond.

As with most obstacles that come my way, I didn’t just accept the changes and wave the white flag. This is my love. This is my business. This is what I wake up each and every morning blessed and excited to do! So I fought back, as hard as I could. Since the HCU hit, I’ve thrown everything I’ve got at righting the ship. Here’s a sampling of the various things we’ve tried and comprehensive response we’ve had in the 18+ months since things went awry:

Major permalink overhaul and crawl budget optimization
Complete sitewide UI redesign (first time since 2021)
Migration to a dedicated server (after 14 years on shared hosting)
Removal of dozens of dead links (also a first in 14 years)
Full optimization of images and plugins
Over 75 newly published 2,000-word articles designed for human readers, but also specifically with Google’s HCU guidelines in mind
Vastly improved site speed and performance metrics
Took down two copycat scraper sites that had been outranking us
Earned dozens of new, legitimate backlinks (the old fashioned way… I’ve never paid for a link)

And through all of that, we clawed back some of the traffic we lost. But not all. We’ve plateaued. The truth is, the algorithm still doesn’t “seem to care.”

year over year organic traffic 2024

I’m no data scientist, but it doesn’t take one to also notice that organic reach is similarly declining across social media platforms, too. It’s becoming exceedingly clear that today’s algorithms are “gonna make you pay” (literally) to “boost” your content just so that it has the same reach as you used to have before tweaks were made.

Meanwhile, advertisers do care but not in a good way. Their third-party SEO tools will indicate that a site’s numbers are slipping so they’re likely to start pulling out. New partnership conversations become harder. Metrics don’t lie, and when those metrics are down, a business is likely to suffer. But very obviously, those metrics don’t have context and don’t tell the full story.

I’m here doing that right now, in one of my more open and honest op-eds that really pulls back the curtain. At this point, I don’t feel as though I’ve been left with another choice.

The question is, will companies in the poker world be able and prepared to look past dropping metrics, think a bit more long-term, and still be prepared to invest in those who produce high quality content, have strong poker/individual brand authority, and good reputations even though the numbers won’t necessarily be where they’ve been?

I don’t know the answer to that, but I also know that hope, pride, and passion alone certainly don’t pay the bills.

Can the “Poker Content Industry” Still Survive?

The entire situation is deeply frustrating not just as a longtime poker media professional, but as a business owner who genuinely cares about the poker community. I’ve given everything to Cardplayer Lifestyle. I love poker, and I love telling its stories. But lately, much like Nick Eastwood’s very personal and relatable rant at the end of his video, I’ve started asking myself questions I never thought I’d have to ask: Is this still sustainable? How long can I keep this going?

I know that to survive in life and in business you need to be willing to adapt, to grow, to learn, and to innovate. I’ll be damned if I haven’t been trying my best, but thus far, it doesn’t seem to have moved the algorithmic needle. While fighting the aforementioned fight, I’ve tried hard to diversify revenue streams, lean further in to putting together our Mixed Game Festivals, etc., but when your core business has been rocked so hard… Let’s just say it’s been a rough ride for a long while now.

One-person operations like mine don’t have the resources to constantly “boost” our content, nor can we be reasonably expected to suddenly become insta-experts and know how to diversify what we produce across every conceivable media platform. Who’s to say that even if we magically do, that it’ll work, or that the game won’t suddenly change once more rendering us that much more acutely helpless and exhausted in the face of algorithmic dynamism?

Regardless of the medium, when content production is done right, there’s a natural and obvious recognition that said content adds value to and for those who consume it and is still worthy of supporting through sponsorship dollars. But will this axiom hold true if inhuman algorithms don’t give us content producers the metrics we’re “due”?

This is the climate that poker content producers are now operating in.

So, What Do We Do?

For now, I’m still here. Still trying. Still publishing. Still hoping that readers see the value in what we do. Still hoping that companies in the poker world see the value in partnering with media outlets that have consistently supported the game and the community for over a decade.

But, again, hope is not a business model. And goodwill, while heartening, won’t keep the lights on.

I can only speak for myself, but my gut tells me that all the vloggers out there and my fellow poker media companies have to be feeling something similar. We’re all trying to keep telling poker’s story, and in this algorithm-driven world, that’s getting harder by the day.

So, to everyone who enjoys poker content — whether it’s videos, podcasts, or articles — please do your part. Like. Share. Engage. Support creators, not just with views or clicks, but with recognition, sponsorship, and genuine appreciation.

We don’t — and SHOULDN’T — be creating what we create for Google, YouTube, and social media algorithms. We create for YOU.

Barcelona, from a Poker Tourist’s Perspective 24 Apr 2:29 PM (7 days ago)

Both 888poker LIVE and the PokerStars European Poker Tour will be making marquee stops at Casino Barcelona in the coming months. The seaside Spanish city is one of the most popular destinations in the poker world, and for good reason. When we poker players travel, sometimes we tend to get a little single-minded and take for granted the history, culture, and beauty just outside the doors of the poker room. In this article, I want to encourage you to explore beyond those boundaries, and offer some professional travel advice on just a few of the amazing sights found in and around the beautiful Mediterranean city of Barcelona.

casino barcelona

Barcelona is very much like New York City, or any other large metropolitan city: you’re not going to see it all in a span of two weeks (even if your time was solely dedicated to sightseeing). Below I have hand-picked a list of the top things to do while in the city, from an array of different categories. Before diving into your specific interests, I would suggest taking a ride on the Hop-on/Hop-off bus. This is an excellent way to orient yourself with a new destination, and even as a travel professional myself, it’s something I always do in every new city. Once you have acquainted yourself with the layout of Barcelona, you can really start exploring all the unique traits found within and around the Catalonian capital.

Barcelona Culture

The cornerstone of the cultural experience in Barcelona is Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is designed in the Gothic style by Gaudi, and is the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. You can’t Google Barcelona without it coming up first! For those that would like to experience more of Antonio Gaudi’s art, you might visit Park Guell or Casa Batllo. If your taste is more modern or contemporary, you would probably prefer a trip to the Picasso or Miro Museums. Remember to check the websites to find out if you need to pre-purchase tickets or if they require timed entrances. With smaller museums, this is often the case.

The truest cultural experience to be had in the city would be a visit to the Gothic Quarter. This is where the past meets present, and within the Gothic Quarter you will also find the Jewish Quarter. The architecture is a mixture of centuries old buildings standing right beside recently built structures, and the Sinagoga Major, located in the Jewish Quarter, is one of the oldest Synagogues in Europe. This area shows the culture of the modern, working Catalonian. There are local shops, street artisans, and cafes, and at night it is brought to life with bars and clubs.

The Las Ramblas pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of Barcelona

Barcelona for Foodies

Take the time to savor the local wine and cuisine of the region. There are no shortages of wine and tapas tours found online. You can easily book any number. However, as someone who tends to stay off the beaten path myself, I usually take things a step further. I build my own food tour. Instead of going with commercially recommended stops from restaurants and bars that have paid for a spot on a tour, I ask locals once I arrive. I get away from my hotel, and when I’m in shops like those you’ll find in the Gothic Quarter, I ask about their favorite Tapas bar. I find out where the workers that are assisting me in retail or restaurants are going when their shifts are through. I’ll take their suggestions, and visit two or three different bars or restaurants, and try the dishes they recommend.

For those of you looking for a more refined experience, Barcelona boasts 31 Michelin Starred restaurants, three of which are rated Three Stars. If you’re having trouble deciding, try Lasarte at the Monument Hotel located in the heart of town. Not only is the food amazing, but the ambience and scenery is an added bonus!

Barcelona: The Great Outdoors

For those who love to hit the beaches, Barceloneta Beach is mere steps from the casino. So take a break in between poker tournaments or decompress after playing in a cash game by relaxing in the sand. I love the water, but I hate the sand, so there are great sailing excursions available throughout the day. After sitting at the poker tables for hours at a time, why not rent a bike or take a bike tour to work out some of the stiffness? It will definitely beat hitting the indoor gym at your hotel!

Barcelona

Barcelona Day Trips

If you have the opportunity, get out of the city for a full day, or even overnight. There are plenty of gorgeous towns within an hour or two drive of the city, or you could even take the ferry to Mallorca. Figueres is most notably home to the Dali Museum. It is an hour train ride from Barcelona, located on the Costa Brava. Montserrat is about an hour and a half north of the city, and is home to a beautiful Benedictine Monastery at the top of a mountain. You can visit the church, and then finish your trip with a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

Another option would be a beach day on Mallorca. The ferry journey to and from is about 3.5 hours, but the views are breathtaking. If you don’t want to spend the full day on the beach there, rent an ATV or buggy and explore the island. These are just a few of the numerous places within a short distance of Barcelona.

Despacito: There’s No Rush in Spain

If you’ve flown halfway around the world to get to Spain, I strongly suggest that you don’t just restrict your stay to just Barcelona! There are several options for you to enjoy if you choose to extend your poker trip, but I would most likely recommend heading to Madrid for a few days. The bullet train will get you there in about two and a half hours, non-stop. Besides the insane cash games the Spanish capital offers, you will find many similarities in the two cities, but also, you will see that Madrid really exceeds Barcelona in art, history, and nightlife. A few places not to be missed are the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and Almudena Cathedral. I would recommend leaving yourself at least three additional days for touring.

While I realize there’s no way you can experience even half of what I’m recommending, I hope this gives you a foundation to begin your exploration. Barcelona is such an amazing city, and it truly would be a shame to limit yourself to only experiencing great poker while you’re there!

Need help in booking your Barcelona poker vacation? Reach out to me for assistance via email or visit My Travel Envy.

The Ultimate 2025 Summer Poker Schedule for Mixed Game Poker Tournament Low Rollers 23 Apr 8:38 AM (8 days ago)

Every summer, thousands of poker players flock to Las Vegas with dreams of tournament glory, WSOP gold, and a bankroll breakthrough. After all, in the short term, low-rollers have a better shot at winning big money via a tournament versus a dozens-hour-long cash game grind. So, what to do if you’re a mixed game lover with a budget of around $3,000–$5,000, two weeks off work, and a burning desire to play all the non-hold’em variants you can squeeze in this summer in Las Vegas?

Well, for starters, Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival XI will be running June 8-19 at Bellagio. It’s a cash game-only festival featuring Dealer’s Choice mixed games spread as low as $4/8 all the way up to $20/40, starting daily at 12pm. Whether you’re looking to get your reps in on more obscure variants or take a fun break from the tournament grind, it’s the perfect place to play your favorite games in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

But we’re primarily here now to talk mixed game tournaments and the 2025 Las Vegas summer poker calendar has plenty of affordable ones across a variety of venues, and we’ve got your complete guide right here. With some proper bankroll planning and good timing, you could potentially grind your way into multiple final tables and leave Sin City with significantly more money than you arrived with.

low roller mixed game tournaments 2025

Why Mixed Game Low Rollers Are Winning This Summer

In recent years, tournament venues and poker room staff across Las Vegas — from the Orleans to Resorts World, Golden Nugget, MGM Grand, and beyond — have beefed up their offerings, adding:

Low buy-in HORSE events
Triple Draw and Triple Stud tournaments
Omaha 8/Stud 8 hybrids
8-Game and Dealer’s Choice formats
Razz, Stud 8, and even Mixed Triple Draw (A-5, 2-7, Badugi)

While the WSOP bracelet events may remain out of reach budget-wise, you can still fire in plenty tournaments with low to mid-three-figure buy-ins and potentially parlay a deep run (or two!) into a four- or five-figure score.

Great news the @WizardOfViz complete tableau of every poker tournament in Vegas this summer now includes @Wsop, @WynnPoker, @VenetianPoker, @PokerRoomRWLV, @OrleansPokerRo1, @PH_POKER, @ARIAPoker @MGMGrandPoker and @SPPokr.

This is totally customizable.

You can sort all…

— Allen Kessler (@AllenKessler) April 22, 2025

Top Vegas Venues for Budget-Minded Mixed Game Players

The Orleans

Home to the legendary Summer Poker Series
Buy-ins ranging from $240-$600
Excellent structures and high guarantees
Variety galore: HORSE, Triple Draw, 8-Game, and more

Golden Nugget

One of the most mixed game-friendly series downtown
Buy-ins mostly $400
Tournaments include T.O.E., Razz, Dealer’s Choice, Stud 8, Triple Draw, and O/8–Stud 8 hybrids
Frequent $20K–$40K guarantees on mixed events

MGM Grand

Championship-format events with deep stacks
Buy-ins mostly $600 with 30–40 minute levels
Games include Stud/8, Triple Draw 2-7, and Big Bet Dealer’s Choice

Horseshoe / Paris (WSOP Side Events)

Weekly deep stack H.O.R.S.E. events with a $250 buy-in
Great structure and atmosphere with WSOP prestige

Resorts World

Expanding their summer series with great mixed game variety
Notable $400 Triple Stud, Stud-Only, and O/8–Stud 8 events

A Sample 2-Week Mixed Game Poker Trip

The tableau referenced above by Allen Kessler was created by Kim Ungar and is the perfect resource for planning your Vegas summer schedule. I filtered the results to narrow down the 1,500+ poker tournament offerings to just the 3-figure buy-in fixed limit mixed game tournaments. That produced a total of 77 pertinent events for low-roller mixed game lovers to choose from with just over $30,000 in total buy-ins (obviously it’s impossible to play in all of the events).

low roller mixed game tournaments 2025

There’s at least one great low buy-in mixed game tournament being spread somewhere in Las Vegas almost every single day this summer. So, no matter which two-week stretch you choose visit for the World Series of Poker between May 27 and July 17, there will be plenty of events for you to play around town. Here are some highlights for components of what a dream low roller schedule could look like:

May 29 – $600 Triple Triple Draw Championship @ Orleans
May 30 – $600 Triple Draw 2-7 @ MGM Grand
May 31 – $400 T.O.E. @ Golden Nugget
June 2 – $240 T.O.R.S.E. @ Orleans
June 3 – $250 HORSE Deep Stack @ Horseshoe
June 6 – $240 R.O.S.E. @ Orleans
June 8 – $600 H.E.R.O.S. Championship @ MGM Grand
June 11 – $240 Omaha 8/Stud 8 @ Orleans
June 12 – $250 Stud/Razz @ MGM Grand
June 14 – $400 Mixed Triple Draw @ Golden Nugget
June 15 – $400 Omaha 8/Stud 8 Mix @ Resorts World
June 16 – $250 Mixed Triple Draw @ Orleans
June 17 – $600 Mixed Triple Draw @ MGM Grand
June 20 – $400 Stud 8 @ Golden Nugget
June 21 – $240 Triple Triple Draw @ Orleans
June 23 – $240 H.O.R.S.E. @ Orleans
June 24 – $400 Mixed Triple Draw @ Golden Nugget
June 24 – $150 Omaha 8 Championship @Westgate (Ladies Only PLON event)
June 25 – $240 T.O.R.S.E. @ Orleans
June 26 – $600 Triple Stud Championship @ Orleans
June 29 – $400 Stud 8 @ Resorts World
June 30 – $600 T.O.R.S.E. Championship @ Golden Nugget
July 1 – $600 8-Game Mix Championship @ Orleans
July 6 – $400 H.E.R.O.S. @ Resorts World
July 7 – $240 R.O.S.E. @ Orleans
July 8 – $240 2-7 Single Draw @ Orleans
July 9 – $600 T.O.E. Championship @ Orleans
July 10 – $600 Omaha 8/Stud 8 Championship @ Orleans
July 15 – $250 HORSE Deep Stack @ Horseshoe

Dream Big and Have Mixed Game Fun in Vegas This Summer!

In addition to all the aforementioned venues, South Point and Aria are also hosting a couple low buy-in mixed game tournaments, too. Plus, again, I can’t help but recommend that at least part of your trip overlap with Mixed Game Festival XI at Bellagio so that you can join us for some fun dealer’s choice cash game action. It’s quite literally right across the street, just a quick 10-15 minute walk, from the Horseshoe/Paris. Mix in some time off for chilling by the pool, touring, and maybe a show or two, and you’ve got yourself the perfect poker vacation!

For many players, the goal is just to have fun and enjoy the variety. But let’s be real: if you happen to go on a heater, this trip could turn into the best “working vacation” of your life. A win or a couple final table finishes in a $240-$400 event can net you a solid few thousand dollars, especially with larger field sizes than usual. That’s enough to pay for your whole trip and still take home a tidy profit.

The mixed game fields are typically friendlier, softer, and way more fun than the mega-field NLHE mobs. You’ll see plenty of the same faces, and from experience I can tell you that you’re likely to become friends with some of them over your shared time at the felt.

Shuffle Up, Deal, and Diversify

Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or a home game hero finally making the pilgrimage, the 2025 Vegas mixed game low-stakes tournament scene is calling your name. Bring your best Stud game, your favorite lucky card protector, and a good sense of humor. You won’t find a better place or time of year to dive into the wide world of limit poker variants with low buy-ins and high upside. As I’ll be in Las Vegas for a full month this summer, it goes without saying that I plan on playing in plenty of these tournaments. That said, it goes without saying that we’d love to also see you at the Bellagio between June 8-19 for Cardplayer Lifestyle’s Mixed Game Festival XI, No registration and no pressure; just cards in the air and smiles all around.

Mixed Game Festival XI Save the Dates

Top 10 WWE Superstars I’d Hate to Play Poker With in 2025 21 Apr 10:54 AM (10 days ago)

Poker is supposed to be a relaxing and (ideally) profitable way to spend your time. But if and when certain WWE Superstars would walk into the poker room and take a seat at the table, the game could potentially go from “fun poker night” to a full-blown steel cage match with chips. Don’t get me wrong — there are plenty of WWE Superstars I’d love to play poker with in 2025, but there are also a select group of them that I’d personally consider to be “undesirable” at the felt.

It being WrestleMania season, and with the “Show of Shows” emanating from Las Vegas for only the second time (the previous time being 32 years ago!), it put me in the mood to craft a new 2025-era take on an article concept that I first tried a dozen years ago. So without any further ado, here are the 10 WWE Superstars I’d absolutely hate to play poker with in 2025.

WWE Poker

1. Jey Uso

Both in poker and in professional wrestling, it’s really tough to face a champion at the peak of his prowess. Just when you think Jey Uso is completely out of line with that all-in, he’d flip over the nuts like it’s just another day in The Bloodline. His unpredictable energy and psychological warfare (learned from years of tag team trickery with his brother Jimmy) make him the poker equivalent of a “maniac” who will constantly keep you guessing. I could see him alternating between giggling mid-hand and going stone silent, messing with my timing and getting me to give off tells. I would certainly not want to be playing defense throughout the session, and I have a feeling I’d just be moving from one hand to the next while dodging his superkicks.

You cannot teach what Jey Uso has…His connection to our audience, his passion, his charisma…and generations of this business running through his veins.

Jey @WWEUsos is your new World Heavyweight Champion. Congratulations…and…

🙌YEET🙌 pic.twitter.com/2RHZsPfEJa

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 20, 2025

2. Chelsea Green

There’s always that one person who turns a peaceful home game into a three-ring circus. Enter Chelsea Green. Poker with her isn’t about cards, but rather about spectacle. I could totally see her arguing about chip colors, accusing an opponent of soft playing or going south, and probably demanding to speak to the “poker room manager” after losing a flip. And don’t be surprised if she live-tweets every bad beat while demanding a “recount” of the pot. Her dramatics are a bigger tilt factor than any bad river card and I don’t want any part of that at my table.

Filing an IMMEDIATE injunction against @wwe & the 10 count infringement they placed on their United States Champion. 🫡 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3PdYsZI8oo

— CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) April 12, 2025

3. Dominik Mysterio

OK, I’ll admit that after just winning the Intercontinental Title, he’s grown on me ever so slightly but the fact remains, I would NOT want Dominik Mysterio at my poker table. He’s the guy who plays every hand, wins with garbage, and won’t stop talking about it. “Dirty Dom” brings that perfect mix of heel energy and smugness that would likely have everyone tilting. He’d probably insist on wearing his Judgment Day hoodie and sunglasses indoors, trying to look cool while slow-rolling a straight. His ever-present cocky smirk would throw me off my game because I’d just be fuming and wanting to stack him. Good luck staying focused with his running commentary in your ear!

DOMINIK MYSTERIO. G.O.A.T 🐐 #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/0od4Q4XgEt

— netflixbrasil (@NetflixBrasil) April 21, 2025

4. Braun Strowman

Look, there’s a lot to love about Braun Strowman. He’s a gentle giant… until he’s not. One bad beat and the table might need to be reinforced with steel. I could totally see him doing this. And if you suck out on him? Expect a death stare, a growl, and a very real fear he might slam cards straight through the table. Nobody wants their tournament life or poker session to end with a flipped table and a roar.

You should have killed me when you had the chance!!!!! pic.twitter.com/OdEiEUairw

— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) January 26, 2025

5. Damian Priest

Damian Priest doesn’t need to talk. He just stares, and suddenly, you’re folding pocket queens out of fear of Señor Intimidation. He’d shuffle his chips with eerie precision, and make each bet just as calculated as a Judgment Day sentence. That icy demeanor and methodical playing style are enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. By the end of the night, he’d have my chips… and quite frankly I’d prefer to hang on to them, thank you.

pic.twitter.com/wm4QDgymy1

— Damian Priest (@ArcherOfInfamy) November 30, 2024

6. Logan Paul

Talk about heat… if there’s one WWE Superstar who has it right now, it’s this guy. While I certainly respect Logan Paul‘s aptitude and physical abilities, I don’t want him anywhere near me at a poker table. Between promoting his latest venture or product, his utter nonstop loudness, and mugging for whatever cameras would be sure to be on him while he plays, he’d be a distraction at best and a royal pain in the ass at worst. If you lose a pot, it’ll be trending on X before the next hand is dealt. Who wants someone like that sitting next to you at the felt? That’s a recipe for a miserable poker session. Table change, please!

“Shocker” lol https://t.co/lERJRUEe4L

— Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) April 21, 2025

7. Jacob Fatu

The same reasons I enjoy watching Jacob Fatu in the ring are the ones why I wouldn’t want him at my poker table. He doesn’t bluff. He doesn’t speak. He stares through your soul. Every move feels like it’s backed by a promise of destruction. If he pushes a stack in, no one dares to question whether he’s got the goods. Fold or call, it’s a lose-lose situation. You’re either giving up your chips or bracing for impact. I’d much prefer he sticks to the squared circle where I could watch him inflict damage on others.

.@jacobfatu_wwe

DESTROYER

And new United States Champion at #WrestleMania. pic.twitter.com/quKtj4SUMK

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 20, 2025

8. Raquel Rodriguez

I mean this with great respect to the art of professional wrestling and Raquel Rodriguez‘s performance of that art, but I just don’t know what it is that she would bring to the poker table. There’s nothing about her gimmick that intrigues or interests me, and frankly I feel like I’d find her a bit boring as a poker table companion. If I’m playing poker I want to enjoy myself above all, so I don’t need any “seat fillers” there just to shuffle chips. So, respectfully, I’ll pass on Raquel in favor of having other WWE Superstars take a seat when I’m playing.

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ EST DE RETOUR#WWEBadBlood pic.twitter.com/E9e31J3fDF

— Catch-Newz (@CatchNewz) October 6, 2024

9. Jade Cargill

I can sum up why I would hate to play poker with Jade Cargill in just two words: too intimidating! Her chip stacks would be flawless and she’d command everyone’s attention with every raise, call and even fold. Everything she does in the ring is so damn impressive that I have no doubt she’d take that same approach to playing poker and deliver one outstanding performance after another. And to boot, just when you think you’ve figured her out, she’d likely change gears and felt you with style and panache. Yeah, I’ll pass on gambling it up with this Glamazon.

Countdown. pic.twitter.com/jzNisw97h6

— Jade Cargill (@Jade_Cargill) April 12, 2025

10. AJ Styles

Would you want to play poker against a phenomenal player? Someone whose years of experience, playing style, dedication to the craft, and pure skill make him a force to be reckoned with at the table? To say that overcoming such an opponent would be a challenge would be an understatement. AJ Styles has all those characteristics in spades… and he’d likely have them in hearts, clubs, and diamonds, too. He’s one step ahead, even when he’s behind, and losing to him would feel … inevitable.

I MAKE THIS LOOK GOOD! #Undertaker30 @WWE pic.twitter.com/CVieDKyxpS

— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) November 12, 2020

Thanks, But Please Cross Those Players Off the List

If you’re already going to go to the effort to craft a “dream table” for yourself, you want to pick players who would enhance your poker experience rather than detract from it. I think I’ve made it pretty clear why I’d hate to play poker with the aforementioned 10 WW Superstars in 2025. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my little “fantasy booking” poker piece — or rather, who I’d never book in seats at my table.

Top 10 WWE Superstars I’d Love to Play Poker With in 2025 20 Apr 2:25 PM (11 days ago)

Back in 2013, I wrote an article highlighting the WWE Superstars I’d most love to sit across the felt from. Since then, there’s been quite a lot of change that’s taken place in the squared circle, at the poker tables, and in my own poker life. With new blood, legendary comebacks, and characters as colorful as ever — and with WrestleMania 41 coming to us from Las Vegas this year — it’s high time I put together an updated list for 2025. It’s still real to me, damnit, and at 43 years old I’m still a wrestling fan at heart.

The 10 WWE Superstars that I’ve selected entertain millions of fans across the globe week in and week out. As they’re not just athletes, but performers, I’m positive that they’d all make for unforgettable company at the poker table. Admittedly, I’m not sure how many of the WWE superstars I listed below actually play poker, but for the purposes of this article, I’m going to assume that they do. Whether I’d win or lose would be immaterial. The bottom line is that I know I’d have one hell of a fun poker-playing experience with and of the 10 wrestlers I’ve listed below.

So, without any further ado, here are the wrestlers I’d most love to play poker with in 2025.

WWE Poker

1. Cody Rhodes

Cody’s got that calm, composed demeanor that would make an absolute pleasure to sit with at the table. He’s articulate, respectful, and strategic, perfect for a thoughtful game Stud-8. We all know now that he can “finish a story”, but whether can he tell a convincing story at the felt remains to be seen. He strikes me as someone who’d appreciate the mental aspects of poker and not just play to win, but to learn and grow. We’d probably end up talking life philosophy between hands.

First #WWECrownJewel Champion ✅

📸: @Timmsy17 pic.twitter.com/OwVM6VY63U

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) November 4, 2024

2. LA Knight

Yeah! Imagine LA Knight in the 1-seat, doing his whole schtick after scooping a pot. He’s got charisma for days and would probably treat a poker game like a performance piece. At least for a little while, hearing him shout “YEAH!” every time he rakes a pot would be worth the buy-in (but then I’d likely politely ask him to clam up if he’d keep it up for too long). He’d keep the mood upbeat, trash talk in good fun, and probably make even the quietest table erupt in laughter. If poker ever needed a hype man, he’d be it.

https://t.co/TMQxzEmLtA pic.twitter.com/QWMLcQYbxf

— LA Knight (@RealLAKnight) March 9, 2024

3. Roman Reigns

I’m guessing that Roman would try to bring his Tribal Chief aura to the felt and try to maeuver his way towards becoming the ~~head of the~~ table captain. Picture this: dimly lit poker room, he pushes all in… and says nothing, with a 1,000-mile Phil Ivey-like stare to boot. Intimidation factor = 100. But I’d still love the challenge. Would he dominate the table like he’s dominated WWE? Who’d have what it takes to call a bluff from him? Either way, playing against Roman Reigns would be a real test of nerve. At the very least, his stoic presence would force everyone to bring their A-game, and I’d relish the challenge.

In due time…
It will all be mine.
My way.
Again.

Believe That. #RoyalRumble @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/RUnnL8ba7E

— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) February 1, 2025

4. Rhea Ripley

“Mami” may be terrifying in the ring, but I bet she’d be super chill at the table. Focused, intense, and fearless. Exactly the kind of player who’s down to aggressively 3-bet with relentless abandon and stare into your soul until you fold. I’d be curious if I’d be able to get a read on her. She seems like someone who thrives in high-pressure situations and wouldn’t flinch with a massive pot on the line. While “Mami” is used to getting what she wants, I’d want those chips of hers!

Bigger, better, stronger. 👹 pic.twitter.com/CWgVQxAd9l

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) January 22, 2025

5. Kevin Owens

KO is like the perfect blend of old-school grinder and unpredictable maniac. Even if we weren’t playing the 7-2 game, I imagine him as the type to try and pull off the bluff with the worst starting hand in Texas Hold’em. Win or lose, I can totally see him then lecturing the table about how “nobody respects his game.” He’d keep things lively, that’s for sure. I feel like he’d take the game seriously, but still know how to keep it light, cracking jokes between hands. His love for competition would make every pot a battle worth remembering.

Mine. pic.twitter.com/1Bq49UgEIt

— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) December 15, 2024

6. Seth “Freakin’” Rollins

Seth brings just the right mix of chaos and flair. I imagine he’d rock up to the table in something ridiculous, cackle after winning a pot, and play mind games worthy of a Daniel Negreanu highlight reel. A poker night with Rollins would be anything but boring. He’d probably play to the cameras (because of course the game would be live streamed, for the fans), and add some unpredictable flair to even the most standard of hands. Expect fireworks. Plus, it would be cool to see what sort of chip porn masterpiece “the Architect” would design.

The problem isn’t that I’ve changed. The problem is that you’ve stayed the same. #WWEBerlin tonight. #WWERaw in Greenville Monday. #WWECrownJewel next Saturday. pic.twitter.com/8x93HNG3NH

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) October 28, 2023

7. Bianca Belair

The EST of WWE? You’d better believe she’d aim to be the best at poker, too. I see her as someone who’d bring competitive energy, soak up strategy like a sponge, and likely kick some serious ass at the table. She’d also bring incredible sportsmanship to the fray, giving everyone else at the table a boost. And if she ever lost a hand, she’d bounce back (i.e., kick-up) with grace and confidence.

EST in Belgium#ESTofWWE pic.twitter.com/0272yzz7zI

— Bianca Belair (@BiancaBelairWWE) March 17, 2025

8. Gunther

Stoic. Methodical. Calculated. Gunther would be the stone-cold rock of the game, quietly grinding his stack, waiting to pounce with precision. He’s the kind of player you’d fear bluffing into, and the one you’d most want to outplay just for bragging rights because he’d be the least likely to crumble under any sort of pressure. His sheer discipline and composure would turn every hand into a psychological test. Much like anyone who faces him inside the ring, you’d absolutely have to bring your A-game to oust Gunther in poker.

WWE have updated Gunther’s official render. pic.twitter.com/L8VZeALBvG

— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) April 20, 2025

9. CM Punk

There’s just something so damn relatable about CM Punk, and that’s exactly why I’d want him at the table. He’d bring straight-edge intensity and enough verbal jabs to put anyone on tilt. Just imagine the banter! He’d challenge you on every play and never let a weak bet go unpunished. And if things got heated? That just adds to the fun. He’d be a master of speech play, that’s for sure!

I’ve got the look down. Put me in coach! pic.twitter.com/BAzV8sifB7

— player/coach (@CMPunk) March 12, 2021

10. Drew McIntyre

Maybe it’s because I just got back from covering a poker event in Scotland, but I just had to pick Drew for this list. He seems like the kind of guy who’d have a great sense of humor, but also be able to back up any move he makes with big time intensity. I could see McIntyre throwing in a few sarcastic one-liners, and raising you with top pair and a sly wink. He’d likely have some phenomenal poker stories, too, perhaps involving a great bar fight.

Back-to-back#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/UWveQCzOqs

— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) April 20, 2025

Ring the Bell, and Shuffle Up and Deal!

Poker is about more than cards and winning or losing money. It’s about personalities, stories, and having unforgettable moments. With any of these WWE Superstars at the table, I know I’d be guaranteed all of the above. By contrast, there are also 10 WWE Superstars who I’d hate playing poker with in 2025, and I invite you to read that companion piece as well.

I hope all you poker and wrestling fans enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it up.

Our Top Poker Articles of 2012: A Cardplayer Lifestyle Retrospective 16 Apr 5:31 AM (15 days ago)

Welcome to the third article in our retrospective series, in which we look back at some of the top poker articles we’ve published throughout each year we’ve been online. Our first article covered 2010, while our second article covered 2011. By 2012, Cardplayer Lifestyle was hitting its stride, both in terms of volume and variety of content. It was another year of experimentation, taking some risks, and some meaningful firsts. From proposing the idea of poker being an Olympic sport to publishing our very first player interview, this was when our little poker blog truly began to branch out in tone and topic to become more on an established poker media outlet.

Throughout the year, this site’s articles explored poker’s cultural and global relevance, dabbled in debate, and I also shared some deeply personal moments that connected the game of poker to my own life. Here’s a curated selection of some of the top poker articles from a truly foundational year in Cardplayer Lifestyle’s history.

Poker at the Olympics

With 2012 being an Olympic year (hello, London!), I explored the potential inclusion of poker as an Olympic sport, emphasizing the need for a shift from monetary rewards to a focus on competition and national pride. I proposed a format featuring both individual and team events, with tournaments in various poker disciplines such as H.O.R.S.E., awarding medals to top finishers and overall performers. I posited that showcasing poker on the Olympic stage could enhance its legitimacy and attract global sponsorship, fundamentally transforming the game’s perception and economic landscape. Sadly (or, perhaps, wisely?), the IOC has not taken note of those two articles 😂.

First Poker Player Interview

Over the years, we’ve published a plethora of poker player interviews. Nowadays, conducting a player interview is a cinch, but imagine what it felt like to do that sort of outreach for the very first time! Our first poker interview was with Yuval Bronshtein. I still remember how anxiety-ridden I was contacted him after his 23rd-place finish in the WSOP Main Event, and how proud I felt upon publishing the piece. There’s nothing notably “amazing” about the interview, but the first one always remains special. Moreover, a couple years after that, Yuval was also the first poker pro I got to meet in person in Israel, and I’m happy to still be friends with him nearly 13 years later.

The Felonious Monks

All these years later, I still get a kick out of the title I came up with for this article. I studied English Linguistics and have an inherent love for language. When that mixed with my love for poker and an absolutely crazy story, I just had to write it up. I couldn’t resist waxing poetic on the irony of monks playing poker, juxtaposing their traditional vows of poverty and detachment with the materialistic nature of gambling.

Tipping vs. Not Tipping Poker Dealers

It seems like the debate about tipping dealers in poker will last forever. People will always have their opinions on the matter. This holds true today just as much as it did back in 2012. At the time, I decided to “play both sides” by writing up a pair of top 10 lists that supported each opinion. As expected, the “not tipping” article got tons of heat while the “always tip” article unfortunately only got a fraction of the attention. This despite my very clearly pointing out that I always tip. But people gonna people, I guess. 🤷‍♂️

First Israel-Oriented Poker Story

Nowadays I’m far more open about my living in Israel. After all, I moved here from Los Angeles right after high school, back in 1998. But I wasn’t always so public about it online. To this day, while there are plenty of people working on the back-end industry side of the poker and gaming worlds living in Israel, it’s not exactly something they shout from the rooftops. We’re sadly all-too-familiar now with the idea of Israel getting attacked by rockets, but back in 2012 was the first time it had happened since I moved here. The industry was affected, as was my life. So, I wrote about it.

The Wonderful Mixture of Poker and Travel

I do a lot of traveling for poker nowadays, but prior to 2016, the opportunities for me to do that were very few and far between. Even so, I did manage to play one poker session in Europe, which apparently made me knowledgeable enough to write this article. Suffice it to say, for someone who had only played poker in the United States (and home games) prior, playing poker in Europe for the first time was a different type of experience. Were I to write this article today, in 2025, let’s just say if would be far more thorough a piece, based on far more poker playing and traveling experience in Europe.

Personal Poker Stories

While Cardplayer Lifestyle has evolved from a simple poker blog to a full-fledged poker media site over the years, there persists the occasional article in which I open up and get very personal about my own cardplayer lifestyle. Back in 2012 I marked the occasion of my father’s 64th birthday with this special tribute about how he imbued in me a love for poker. I also took Scotty Nguyen’s catchphrase and turned that into an article announcing that our third child, Shira, was on the way. You might be interested to know that I founded this site about 1.5 months before my second child, Ami, was born. Naturally, I couldn’t have imagined that one day my oldest, Abby, would end up being our graphic designer.

Interview with Francine Watson: The Creative Force Behind PokerStars’ Video Production 15 Apr 1:55 AM (16 days ago)

As the Associate Director of Creative & Content at PokerStars, Francine Watson has played a key role in shaping the visual identity and storytelling approach of one of the most recognizable brands in the industry. From producing high-profile content to ensuring PokerStars remains at the forefront of poker entertainment, her influence is undeniable.

Francine’s exceptional work was recently recognized at the 2024 Global Poker Awards, where she was honored as Industry Person of the Year. Though she primarily works behind the scenes, Francine’s work has helped bring some of the most memorable poker moments to life while solidifying PokerStars’ reputation as a leader in content and branding.

In this exclusive interview, we take a deep dive into Francine’s journey — from her early career to her biggest projects at PokerStars, her thoughts on winning a prestigious industry award, and what the future holds for her in poker.

Francine Watson

Can you share a little about your background before entering the poker industry? Where did you grow up, and what were your early career aspirations?

I grew up in Berkshire and the surrounding area, and it’s fair to say neither of my parents found a true vocation when it came to work. So, I learnt from a young age how important it is to enjoy what you do. I consider myself very lucky that as soon as I got to secondary school, I knew I wanted to work in television – especially live. It always seemed to me some kind of ‘magic’ that the pictures got onto our collective screens. Back then, there wasn’t any ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage, so the whole industry had this air of mystery. My parents would have preferred me to go into something a bit more traditional and ‘secure’, but were supportive and after some badgering, they managed to get me work experience with a friend who edited Eastenders (a big UK soap opera). I was 14 at the time and after a couple of weeks at Elstree I was absolutely hooked – TV was my future. I set about getting as much experience as I could, initially at Sky Sports and then, while at Birmingham University I applied for a summer training scheme with an independent sports production company, Sunset+Vine. Again, I loved it, and S+V became my home as soon as I left university, starting out on the award-winning Channel 4 Cricket.

How did you first get introduced to poker? Was it something you had an interest in before working in the industry?

I had no knowledge of poker before starting production on the EPT! I’d been working on all kinds of live sports for a few years when John Duthie (who as well as playing poker was directing TV drama at the time) approached S+V to help bring a poker tour to Europe and put it on TV, offering players and viewers this side of the pond something that could rival the WPT and WSOP. When our Head of Production asked me if I’d like to be involved, I remember thinking ‘this’ll be a one-year wonder’ but travelling with a European tour will be fun, plus, my only real experience of casinos at that point was from watching James Bond films, so the glamour of ballgowns and tuxedos had me at hello. (I would quickly be disappointed on that front.)

The first stop of the EPT at Barcelona was a baptism of fire for us. Yes, we were a team of highly experienced live sports professionals, but the only person in the gallery who understood the game was John Duthie. I was logging hands at the time, and pretty much only got excited if someone was dealt aces. It was chaotic, but we covered the action and started producing hour-long programmes for TV. That was 20 years ago, and we’ve recently delivered the EPT 20 shows from Barcelona for global distribution. I’m proud to see the EPT and its content going as strong as ever all these years later.

Obviously, poker isn’t necessarily the most conventional of industries to get into. How did your family and friends initially react when you told them that you’d be utilizing your talents in such a relatively non-traditional industry?

I think they were probably bemused – what is this poker and how can filming it possibly have any longevity?! As the years passed, and the tour grew, its legitimacy couldn’t be denied. But more than that, it was clear that poker was giving me more opportunity than I would have found in more traditional sports. Back then it was a male-dominated industry, and I would likely have been pigeonholed into a logistics role. Poker allowed me to switch over into my dream role – producing.

When and how did the opportunity to join PokerStars come about? What attracted you to the company?

I had been working indirectly with the team at PokerStars for seven years when they decided they wanted to build a production team in-house. We were making 50 TV shows a year back then and the popularity of live streaming was growing fast, so it made sense to invest in a production resource internally. I’d been freelancing for a couple of years, expanding my poker experience into the US producing at the World Series for 441 Productions and then the NAPT. I had loved the freedom, but the challenge of building a team in-house and starting to think about wider content plans for Social and YouTube was exciting. I knew that PokerStars was a passionate, player-first company that wanted to offer the best possible experience to players and viewers, so it felt like a great fit.

How many men does it take to put on our set legs? MANY. #PCA2018 #PokerStarsTV pic.twitter.com/NnQIOqNm3H

— Francine Watson (@franciiiiine) January 4, 2018

You’re currently the Associate Director of Creative & Content at PokerStars. Can you give us an overview of your role and what your day-to-day work entails?

My role has evolved enormously, especially over the last 18 months. I now manage a 30-strong team of designers, creatives, producers, tech specialists and production managers who work across everything from live event, campaign and merchandise design through to TV, live stream, and Social and Digital content production. No two days are the same, I might kick off by viewing the latest Big Game on Tour cut, move onto a creative and messaging meeting for a new promotion, and then go into a live stream production meeting for EPT Monte Carlo. We’re lucky to be helping to shape key PokerStars offerings, like the newly launched PokerStars Open – from ideation through to designing the visual identity for the tour and then the event branding itself. It’s rewarding to see every aspect brought to life by this talented team.

I imagine things get busier around the TV production and filming during live events. Can you describe what those busier times are like versus the relative lulls in between live events?

Lulls?! There are no lulls anymore!

PokerStars has obviously gone through a number of changes over the years as a company, yet you’re remained a constant fixture there for two decades. In what ways have you seen your role evolve over the years? What keeps you rooted there as the industry continues to evolve?

Standing still gives me itchy feet, so fortunately, at PokerStars that’s never been a problem. Yes, there have been lots of changes over the years, but it’s always been an ideas-driven business that encourages out of the box thinking, allowing teams to grow and evolve.

Look at something like the PSPC – imagine pitching that idea! Such an ambitious project, but Stars saw the opportunity for players and got behind it unequivocally. Fundamentally, they understand the value of poker storytelling, and that’s a huge reason I’ve stayed for so long. I was talking to a couple of very well-known pros at the GPI awards last year and they asked ‘how is it that we’re watching some of your Shark Cage shows from over 10 years ago and they look and feel more contemporary than content and streams being produced today?’ The answer is that we have the most experienced and passionate production personnel in the world, and the backing of a brand who believes in the impact and long-term power of shows like this to keep the game in the mainstream.

How much of the content being produced today will be being watched 10+ years from now? For as long as we continue to tell stories and make content that viewers remember, I’ll be sticking around.

One of my favourite photos from #EPTBarcelona (by @BigSlickNeil). On the #EPTLive set with @Stapes & @franciiiiine… pic.twitter.com/y2VDFbHWKa

— James Hartigan (@J_Hartigan) September 2, 2015

You’ve worked on some highly visible PokerStars productions, from live event coverage to original content. What are some of the projects you’re most proud of having spearheaded and worked on over your time at the company?

Our EPT TV shows will always hold a special place in my heart, having worked across them since the tour’s inception but developing and producing Shark Cage was enormous fun. Who would have thought that some of the biggest poker pros and celebrities would risk being put in a cage on TV all in the name of ‘pokertainment’?! I’ve been lucky enough to work on high-profile content series like ‘Duel’, starring Ronaldo and Neymar Jr that amassed millions of views but I’m most proud of the Daniel Negreanu documentary ‘KidPoker’ which Gary Davis, now Head of Creative for PokerStars and I directed together.

Agghhhhhhhh! pic.twitter.com/8LjvR51u7z

— Francine Watson (@franciiiiine) November 26, 2015

People often ask what has kept me in poker for so long, and telling the stories of fascinating characters like Daniel is the reason. Someone giving you such intimate access to all aspects of their life is a gift but doing that gift justice in edit was the hardest thing I’ve ever done career-wise. It was also incredibly rewarding. Netflix buying the film was the icing on the cake.

James Hartigan Daniel Negreanu Francine Watson

James Hartigan, Daniel Negreanu and Francine Watson

Of course, more recently, PokerStars brought back The Big Game, which was another great privilege for me and the team. This iconic show brought so many players into the game and is beloved by all so there was certainly a pressure there not to mess it up! It was brilliant fun to shoot and produce and we’re just happy that the fans seem to be enjoying watching it as much as we love making it. With the line ups and huge action on show, it’s a format that can break beyond the traditional boundaries of poker audiences, and getting the game in front of as many people as possible is what gets the team and I out of bed in the morning.

PokerStars Big Game on Tour

What’s been the most challenging (and/or rewarding) project you’ve taken on in your career, and how did you navigate those challenges?

Any time you develop a show from start to finish it’s a challenge, so Shark Cage, Duel, KidPoker, the Mystery Cash Challenge, all ‘PokerStars Originals’ if you will, all saw their fair share of challenges along the way. Poker as a game doesn’t make new formats easy, purely because like any sport, there’s just no guarantee that the players you want or need to run deep do. It’s also a complicated game, so when you’re trying to ‘fun up’ a format by adding in challenges or forfeits you quickly get to a place where what you’ve created is too hard to follow. The joy in development though is testing, testing, testing! We’re a poker passionate bunch, so we take great pleasure in stress-testing the formats (usually over a beer and a pizza!).

Congratulations on winning the 2024 Global Poker Award for Best Industry Person! How did it feel to receive that recognition from your peers?

I was shocked – I didn’t expect to win this category, ever! The imposter syndrome definitely kicks in when you’re up against industry heavyweights like Matt Savage, Andy Wong and Gregory Chochon. I’m so proud.

🌐♣️🏆 Your Industry Person of the Year is PokerStars Executive Producer Francine @franciiiiine Watson #GlobalPokerAwards pic.twitter.com/dhm6QEsdPj

— Global Poker Index (@gpi) February 23, 2025

To be recognized by my peers in my 20^th year in poker felt kind of poetic. My approach to our shows, live streams and to all our content is unique in that I came into poker knowing very little and fell in love with the game and its characters and they sit at the heart of all we do. Some productions focus on the hardcore aspects of the game, some take a more mainstream approach but lose authenticity. I like to think our shows blend poker detail and storytelling in the most compelling way, ensuring they appeal to the widest audience. That’s the hope anyway! To be recognized for all the hard work, but fundamentally for something I love doing every day is incredible. I’m so grateful to Eric Danis, the GPI and everyone who voted.

I have to admit that even I, with my finger firmly on the pulse of the industry, didn’t really “know who you were” until Joe Stapleton began openly campaigning for you to be recognized as a GPI nominee a couple years back. I think it’s wonderful that he succeeded at that and that your contributions have become more publicly recognized outside the walls of company HQ. How do you relate to “suddenly” becoming more of a public figure in poker and emerging from the shadows after nearly two decades of diligently “putting in the work” behind the scenes?

Joey is the ultimate cheerleader and campaign manager! I’m so grateful to he and James for all they do to lift me up. It’s very strange to suddenly be recognized though, yes. I’ve spent my life in edits ‘getting to know players’ and then walking up to them at EPTs saying ‘hi’ and being shocked when they look at me blankly! The truth is, I like being behind the scenes and the interviews and speeches do not come naturally to me. I love what I do and that’s my focus.

Global Poker Awards nominations came up on me pretty quick this year, but without looking at any of the names on the list, I want to remind everyone that FRANCINE WATSON is the human behind all the EPTs, live streams, Shark Cage, The Big Game, and more over the past decade plus.

— Joe “Legacy Blue” Stapleton (@Stapes) January 11, 2025

That being said, at the awards ceremony I met the brilliant Abby Merk and her Mum, and that was probably the first time that I felt my higher profile was important – for young women coming into the game. Her Mum asked me what it’s like on the ground at poker tournaments, and I remember when my parents nervously quizzed me around the same topic. If I can help to reassure and encourage the new generation of players and content creators then that’s wonderful, and again, not something I ever expected.

Most people who get into the industry side of the poker world do so out of love for the game and their chosen profession. Getting public recognition in the form of a nomination or award is a bonus. Most folks just show up to work each day and do their job; that’s fine and totally normal. Only recently have you sort of become a notable exception in that regard. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for the legions of people who work behind the scenes in the poker world, getting little to no public recognition for what they do outside of their internal teams?

Keep on keeping on, take pride in your work, be confident in your value and surround yourself with good people who support and cheer each other on. Ultimately, I think recognition comes when you are doing the thing that you love and giving it your all. It’s hard for the universe to ignore that.

What does being recognized as 2024 Industry Person of the Year mean to you personally and professionally?

It means the world. I didn’t think I’d win, but I really wanted to. It’s validation for all the years of hard work and not just for me but the whole team. I couldn’t have done it without them, many of whom have been with me since the very beginning. It takes a village, and my village is the best of the best. It also takes a huge amount of patience and support from family and friends – missing what’s going on back home never gets any easier but knowing they’re there for you unconditionally makes it all possible.

These faces are WINNERS!! Trophy’s on her way home, team 🏆 pic.twitter.com/FH0GqyrMUh

— Francine Watson (@franciiiiine) February 25, 2024

What are some of your long-term goals within PokerStars? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon that you can share?

Well, the pressure’s on now! The new season of the Big Game is about to launch on YouTube and Fox in the US and I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying one of the line-ups will to be the most exciting we’ve ever seen.

Longer-term, we’re focused on innovation around live streaming and new format development. PokerStars has a long history of believing and investing in the power of great poker content, so the plan is to keep raising the bar. Watch this space.